First Managed Homeless Camping Facility Opening Up In Hillsboro

    Everyone living on planet earth is entitled to the basic necessities of food, water, clothing, and shelter. While these basic necessities are often taken for granted by most, many people in our communities struggle to have these needs met. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic making situations tough on individuals, there is still a battle with homelessness nationwide. With various unsanctioned homeless camps popping up throughout the state of Oregon, something needs to be done. Local communities are stepping up to the plate to do what they can to fight this ongoing battle.

    City officials in Hillsboro, Oregon are working to open up the city's first managed homeless camping facility. It is expected to open up in mid-June and will last for about six months when winter shelters become available in December of 2021. Located on an undeveloped grassy field, the camp is expected to give up to thirty campers access to sanitary resources including tents on raised designated platforms, sleeping bags, portable restrooms, and hand washing  stations. City officials have chosen the location in order to limit negative affects on local businesses and residents. Since the property is near Hillsboro's public safety training facility, police will be patrolling the area to make sure the camp is free of pollution, drugs, and violence.

    The project was developed after citizens of Hillsboro urged the city to address a rise in homelessness throughout the city that was likely caused by the pandemic. The camp will be managed by Project Homeless Connect, the same program to host a similar facility started by Washington County back in 2020. While city officials have yet to determine how much it will cost to open the camp, Project Homeless Connect will be working with Washington County hoping that funding from the Metro's Supportive Housing Services measure will go directly to addiction and mental health services at the camp. Since 2019, the city of Hillsboro has spent $440,000 in support of organizations that provide resources to unhoused people.

Sources: https://www.koin.com/local/washington-county/hillsboro-to-open-first-managed-homeless-camping-facility/

https://www.phcwc.org/